Client Naylors
Industry Manufacturing
Completed August 2017
Category Rope Access // Fall Protection

Design and installation of GRP walkway & handrail, cleaning and painting of conveyor belt using rope access techniques.

Access North was engaged by Naylors to remove the derelict wood-based walkway and handrail from their clay factory. The walkway no longer conformed to safety standards and required replacement with a long-lasting GRP (Glass-reinforced Plastic) walkway and guardrail to meet current working at height regulations. The team used fall arrest techniques throughout the replacement, working systematically from one end to the other replacing old with new.

Additionally, the job required the conveyor and stanchions to be pressure washed to remove the clay dust from the factory and then repainted with a marine grade paint. The team carried out the cleaning and painting of the walkway using rope access techniques, being sure to wear the required PPE at all times. The rust and dirt were removed using pressure washers and angle grinders.

This was a challenging project because the works took place on a site which is a working clay factory. Work could only take place whilst the conveyor belt was not in operation and the constant clay dust build up everyday was a challenge when cleaning. The works had to be carefully planned out to avoid having to repeat clean areas that had already been cleaned!